Historica Canada consulted past president Dr. Betsy Epperly on new Heritage Minute

Historica Canada, the country's largest organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canadian history and citizenship, is launching a new Heritage Minute to coincide with 2018 International Women’s Day on March 8. The new Heritage Minute features PEI literary icon L.M. Montgomery and was created in consultation with UPEI past-president Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Epperly and Montgomery scholars Dr. Mary Rubio and Dr. Laura Robinson.

Dr. Epperly is an internationally respected expert in the area of L.M. Montgomery scholarship. Her first book, The Fragrance of Sweet-Grass: L.M. Montgomery’s Heroines and the Pursuit of Romance, was ground-breaking in positioning Montgomery as an author of significance in the Canadian and international spheres. Her second major work, Through Lover’s Lane: L.M. Montgomery’s Photography and Visual Imagination was pivotal in expanding the scholarly landscape of Montgomery studies.

Dr. Epperly was instrumental in advancing and institutionalizing Montgomery scholarship at UPEI by creating, with her UPEI colleagues, the L.M. Montgomery Institute. Her vision was expansive and inclusive, creating spaces for students, readers, fans, and scholars to come together to explore Montgomery’s body of work.

“The L.M. Montgomery Institute welcomes this new Heritage Minute, celebrating and, for some, introducing one of Canada's most beloved and influential authors,” said Dr. Philip Smith, chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute, “and what a fine resource for developing the Minute in Dr. Epperly, not only an expert scholar, but also someone who appreciates the special relationship of Montgomery to her Island and to her fans.”

Congratulations, Dr. Epperly!

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.